Omaha fire official, Nobel Prize winner will be guests at Trump’s State of the Union speech

Nobel Peace Prize recipient Nadia Murad speaks in Baghdad 2018. Murad received the Peace Prize in 2018 for her advocacy on behalf of victims of wartime sexual violence. She will be Nebraska Rep. Jeff Fortenberry’s guest at the State of the Union address Tuesday night.
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON — Kathy Bossman will be able to watch President Donald Trump’s big Tuesday night speech live and in person.

Omaha’s first female assistant fire chief will be in the House chamber for the State of the Union address as a guest of Rep. Don Bacon.

The Omaha-area congressman praised Bossman for not only making history with her promotion but also for building relationships within the community.

“The work she is doing to recruit future firefighters helps make the department a better place for not only women, but for all who join the ranks,” Bacon said.

It’s the second time in a row that Bacon has opted to have a first responder as his guest at the speech. Last year he tapped Omaha Police Sgt. Jeff Kopietz, who received the Medal of Valor for his actions in 2015. He and Officer Kerrie Orozco were trying to arrest a suspect on a felony warrant and the suspect opened fire, killing Orozco. Kopietz returned fire, killing the suspect.

Rep. Jeff Fortenberry of the Lincoln-based 1st District has chosen Nobel Peace Prize winner Nadia Murad to be his guest.

“Nadia Murad’s heartbreaking story of enslavement by ISIS, her courageous escape, and her ongoing fight for basic human rights for her Yazidi people is a story the world needs to hear,” Fortenberry said. “I am so honored that she will be my guest at this year’s State of the Union.”

Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., invited high school athlete Noah Lambrecht, who Sasse said has inspired Nebraskans across the state. Despite multiple open-heart surgeries, asthma and a pacemaker, Noah competed on McCool Junction’s cross-country team. Teammates and competitors often often would finish the race and then join Noah to finish with him.

Axne said one of her top priorities is improving access to health care, including mental health services.

“Peggy is dedicated to helping individuals with mental illness receive the care and treatment they need,” Axne said. “I hope to hear President Trump discuss the importance of working in a bipartisan manner to improve access to health care for all Iowans.”

Several other Midlands lawmakers said they plan to have friends or family as their guests.